Islamic Jihad released a statement saying that the man killed was a member of their organization. One other Islamic Jihad operative was reported injured in the strike.

Earlier on Wednesday morning IAF aircraft struck a smuggling tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip. The IDF spokesperson reported that the force recorded a direct hit on the target.

According to an IDF statement the operation came in response to a Kassam
rocket fired into southern Israel on Tuesday. All IAF aircraft involved
in the mission returned safely to their bases, according to the
statement.

The IDF spokesperson added that it would not allow the communities
neighboring Gaza to remain under constant threat of attack and would act
forcefully against any attempt to injure the citizens of Israel.

"In the last two weeks there have been parties attempting to disturb
peace and security," said Netanyahu prior to Sunday's cabinet meeting.
"We don't want to escalate the situation but we will not hesitate to
activate the strength of the IDF," he added.